Kunya Ark ("old ark") was built by Muhammad Erenk Khan in 1686 as the ruler's residence and administrative centre. It occupies the northwest corner of Ichan Kala, tucked against the outer walls.
Notable rooms open to visitors: - Kurinishkhana (throne room) — with the wooden throne, blue and white tiled iwan and the tent-canopy for the Khan's public audiences. The tent was pitched on wagon tracks so it could be wheeled outside for open-air court sessions. - Summer mosque — with an exquisite hyper-decorated iwan facing an internal courtyard. - Winter mosque — smaller, with a domed reception hall. - Harem — five rooms of the Khan's four legal wives (Islam permitted four) plus concubine quarters. - Mint — where Khivan silver tenge were struck. Coins are on display.
The Ok-Shikh-Bobo watchtower on the northeast corner offers the best rooftop view over Ichan Kala. There's a small extra fee to climb it. Best light: 30 minutes before sunset.
Khiva in photos
A short visual companion to this entry — photographs of Khiva from our travel archive.
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